Argues that evidence is accumulating that genetics plays a major role in human communication behavior. Looks at the importance of neurological systems in communication behavior, and at the role of cerebral functioning. Addresses implications of the "communibiological perspective" for communication instruction. Argues that, rather than…

This behavioral genetic study examined perceived competence and self-worth in same-sex twins, siblings, and stepsiblings 10 to 18 years old, and again 3 years later. Findings at second assessment showed six of seven subscales heritable. Genetic contributions to stability were found for perceived scholastic competence, athletic competence, physical…

Some children exposed to socioeconomic (SES) deprivation are resilient and function better than expected, given the level of deprivation they have experienced. The present study tested genetic and environmental contributions to young children's resilience and vulnerability to SES deprivation. Children's resilience was assessed by the difference…

Objective: To estimate the genetic and environmental contributions to oppositional defiant behavior (ODB) from mother, father, and teacher report using the Conners Revised Short Forms in a large twin sample. Method: ODB data were collected from 1,595 mothers, 1,114 fathers, and 793 teachers of 7-year-old twin pairs from the Netherlands Twin…

This paper reviews the book "The Bell Curve" by Harvard psychologist Richard J. Herrnstein and political scientist Charles Alan Murray. The paper asserts as the book's main points and implications: (1) one's socioeconomic place in life is now determined by IQ rather than family wealth and influence; (2) ruling white elites, who have…

Few books have generated as much controversy as the recently published "The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life." The tremendous polarization on the issue of the relationship between intelligence quotient (IQ) to race and social class, reinforced by the book, and the potential this book has for undermining…

The history of the study of human mental ability is an example of the dialectic in social science between those who interpret data within the framework of existing social inequities and those who look for perspectives that might eventually dissolve inequities. The dedication of Henry Herbert Goddard to a belief in the scientific proof of…

Changing perspectives in educational intelligence testing are traced from a genetically deficient model to a culturally disadvantaged or deprived model to a culturally different model. It is argued that if comparisons are to be made between people, they should be made within the context of the cultural and socioeconomic group structure of each…

This paper reviews research findings which are contrary to or inconsistent with the view of early experience as a critical and often irreversible determinant of development. It is suggested that the increasing awareness of the value of a life span perspective is leading to major reevaluation of the role of early experience in development. The…

This paper presents a discussion of the value of compensatory education for preschool children from poor and uneducated families, focusing on knowledge gained from 12 years of experience with compensatory programs in the United States. The development of Project Head Start is described, and the role of behavioral science research in the…

Due mainly to the cultural reverence for the baccalaureate degree, there is a growing pressure from low income and minority groups to expand programs in continuing education. Various approaches to the problem have been tried (talent searches by colleges, open admissions) but have not proved successful. Although success and financing are problems,…

This paper indicates underlying philosophic assumptions which are compatible with the behavior analysis approach to child development. Four issues taken into consideration are (a) biology and environment, (b) structure and function, (c) traits and situations, and (d) mechanistic and organismic approaches to development. The following ideas…

Although there continues to be controversy about the magnitude of genetic and environmental effects on human behavior, it is generally agreed by various scientific fields that individual differences in brain function and behavior must follow the same laws of variability as other human characteristics. Whether or not racial and ethnic group…

This collection of references and research findings was initially compiled in connection with a conference on the "Linguistic Needs of West Indian Children." The first section includes research reviews and critiques. The second section includes research on the following subjects: (1) ability; (2) attainment/achievement; (3) attitudes,…

This issue of the "Interracial Books for Children Bulletin" contains a special section focusing on the film called, "The Speaker". This film purports to deal with an assault on the First Amendment and with the necessity for eternal vigilance in defense of U.S. Constitutional freedom. The setting is an integrated high school…